Portret van Nicolas-Joseph Foucault 1698

This portrait of Nicolas-Joseph Foucault was created with engraving by Pieter van Schuppen in the 17th century. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking technique. A design is cut into a metal plate, traditionally copper, using a tool called a burin. Consider the labor involved in the production process. The engraver skillfully manipulates the burin to create fine lines and intricate details. The depth and thickness of the lines determine the tonal variations in the final print. The printing process would involve inking the plate, wiping the surface clean, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. The visual qualities of the print, its crisp lines, and tonal gradations, are direct consequences of this process, and it’s through this that the engraver’s skill is emphasized. It is a testament to the complex interplay between material, process, and artistic expression, challenging traditional notions of fine art versus craft.